18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22 NIV)
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
When Christ began his ministry, he gathered disciples who would first be his hearers and later become preachers of his doctrine. These disciples would witness his miracles and later testify about them. The passage in Matthew 4:18-22 recounts the first disciples he called into fellowship with him. Though many heard his message, these men were set apart. Christ was revealed to them in a way he was not revealed to the world.
Jesus called his disciples by the Sea of Galilee, not from Herod’s court or the religious elite in Jerusalem. Galilee was a humble region, its people were considered less refined, and their speech was distinctive. Yet, Christ chose his apostles from among them, showing that God often chooses the weak to confound the wise.
Christ called two pairs of brothers—Peter and Andrew, James and John. They had likely met him before (John 1:40-41) but were now called into a closer relationship with him. Having been disciples of John the Baptist, they were already prepared for the transition to following Christ. Those who have embraced repentance are ready for the joy of faith.
These men were fishermen, which reveals much about their character:
- They were poor. Christ does not despise the poor, and neither should we.
- They were uneducated in formal learning. Christ often bestows grace upon those without natural advantages. However, this does not justify ignorance in ministry—proper preparation is still necessary.
- They were hardworking. Christ values diligence in an honest trade. Moses and David were called from their labors to serve God.
- They were accustomed to hardship. Fishing required endurance and perseverance, qualities necessary for discipleship. Good soldiers of Christ must endure hardships.
At the time Jesus called them, Peter and Andrew were fishing, while James and John were mending their nets. This shows their industry and stewardship, making the most of what they had. James and John were working alongside their father, demonstrating a dutiful spirit.
They were all actively employed, not idle. It is good to be found working when Christ calls. Though they had different tasks—some fishing, some repairing nets—they were all engaged in necessary labor. Likewise, ministers must balance teaching and preparation.
Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). They had followed Christ before, but now they were called to a full-time commitment, leaving their occupations behind. Their calling was also an instance of ordination to the ministry.
Christ intended them to be fishers of men, drawing people to God just as they had once gathered fish. This parallel to their previous work reminded them that they were still fishers, but now for souls. Ministers must seek people for Christ, not for personal gain.
More importantly, Christ himself would make them into fishers of men. He equips and commissions his ministers. To succeed in this calling, they had to:
- Be prepared and qualified for the work.
- Learn Christ before preaching Christ.
- Spend time with Christ to grow in understanding.
- Follow Christ’s example in diligence, faithfulness, and care.
Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets, and James and John left their father and their boat. Those who follow Christ must be willing to leave all for him. Ministers, in particular, must disentangle themselves from worldly concerns to devote themselves fully to their calling.
This moment highlights the power of Christ’s call. His word carries authority, making people willing to obey (Psalm 110:3). It also sets an example of obedience—Christ’s true servants come when called, following wherever he leads. They did not argue or hesitate but obeyed immediately, trusting Christ even without knowing all the details.
James and John left their father Zebedee. Their mother, Salome, was a devoted follower of Christ, and their father was likely a believer. Yet, the call to follow Christ came to the younger generation. Youth is the prime time for learning and service, just as priests ministered in their prime years.
The calling of the first disciples teaches us that Christ chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary work. He calls us to follow him completely, trusting that he will equip us for the task. Like the disciples, we must be willing to leave behind anything that hinders us from wholeheartedly serving Christ. His call is powerful, and our response should be immediate and wholehearted.